Chapter 10 : Suppression Failure (3)

Thanks to Team 2’s success, what was supposed to be a tough mission turned into an early

dismissal and performance bonus opportunity.

As steel fences rose, soldiers lined up on both sides saluted, including a man who appeared to be a

colonel.

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

Through that, Team 2 proudly stepped across the fence.

As they passed through the barrier formed by the Suppressor, Team Leader Kang Seongho’s

face seemed slightly strained, and one team member’s face looked bruised—like they’d been hit.

But nobody paid it much attention.

No one had died in the operation.

Expecting a zero-injury mission on top of that would be too much.

People simply assumed someone got hurt during the operation and moved on.

There was trust behind this too.

The barrier formed by a Suppressor was made using materials extracted from higher-level entities

called Concepts.

So, when it comes to lower-level entities like Concepts, Suppressors are absolute.

Their core idea is “Blockage.”

To breach this barrier, one would have to be a higher-level being. In other words, it’s practically

impossible.

The chances that a Concept inside would evolve into a full Concept? Less than a decimal point.

Even if it did evolve, the odds it would use that power to break out or commit a massacre? Still

near-zero.

And finally, the odds that something wearing a human disguise would perfectly deceive everyone

and walk all the way here to be caught? Also below a decimal point.

To assume all these near-impossible odds happened?

No one in this elite, logic-driven group from the Parang Academic Center—selected for their

intellect and pride—wanted to bring up such irrational ideas and get laughed at.

Some people had suspicions, but soon blended into the mood and shook them off.

“I’d like to report right away—who’s the highest-ranking person here?”

Smiling staff members greeted Team Leader Kang Seongho as he approached.

Was it the thrill of success? Even someone usually stiff like him was cracking jokes.

At his question, a Senior Scholar, second-highest in rank on-site, stepped forward.

“Team Leader Kang Seongho, you did great this time.”

The scholar offered a handshake, which Kang blankly accepted.

He looked angry, but surely not on a day like this.

“Probably just his scary resting face,” they thought.

The scholar smiled, keeping things light.

“Don’t you remember me? We met once before—I’m Dodamhee.”

“Nope.”

“I’m one of the few Senior Scholars at Parang…”

“Still don’t know you. Are you the highest here?”

“…No.”

“Then move.”

Dodamhee realized you can still get metaphorically spat on, even with a smile.

Kang Seongho turned toward another staff member approaching.

“Team Leader, the General Manager says you should be transferred to HQ

immediately.”

“Ah, I was hoping to have a quick chat…”

Dodamhee nudged him playfully.

“I’ll come visit tonight. I’ve got something good for you.”

“Something good?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it really good?”

“Don’t tell me you’re still… well, trust me—it’s amazing.”

“Amazing? I’ll stop by. Wait for me.”

In front of the temporary camp set up by Parang, the steel fence opened, and the investigation

team walked out.

“They say there were zero casualties.”

“Must be a fat bonus coming their way.”

Han Yuri, watching with disinterest, visibly reacted at the mention of no deaths.

That meant… her little sister was safe.

Maybe the entity wasn’t as dangerous as they feared.

She let out a small breath of relief and turned to Kim Sera.

Unlike Han Yuri, who hadn’t contributed much to the operation but felt no discontent, Kim Sera,

standing off with arms crossed and puffed cheeks, clearly was not happy.

Han Yuri checked the [Entry Request Form] they’d received from the military base and

approached her.

Still, duty was duty.

Now that the Concept was neutralized, Jeondo City, the actual area manager, had to handle the

aftermath.

“I’ve finished speaking with the colonel.”

Kim Sera looked up.

“Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought.”

“No worries.”

“It’s about the Entry Request, right?”

“Yes, we just need to schedule the departure time.”

“Let’s go right now. Something feels off.”

Her serious tone made Han Yuri tilt her head.

“Did you notice something strange?”

“Not exactly—just a gut feeling. But I’m sure of it!”

A scholar going with instinct over intellect.

“Why?”

“It’s nothing… let’s move once everyone gathers.”

“Please do.”

Once the team regrouped, Kim Sera, holding their passes, waved at Han Yuri, turned, and

headed to the fence.

“Here are the temporary passes.”

“Salute. One moment, please.”

A soldier entered the guard post, and soon the fence lifted.

“You may pass. Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

As the team entered, Han Sera approached.

“Let’s go in. All 30 are present.”

“Right.”

25 field agents, 5 scholars, and Kim Sera—31 in total.

Unlike the dramatic tension when they crossed the barrier, nothing major happened inside.

People lay scattered in the streets from the Suppressor’s wave, which was expected.

Though more than usual were affected because Parang had used it without prior warning.

Kim Sera shook her head as she looked around.

‘Jeondo will have to handle cleanup.’

“Please report immediately.”

Han Yuri stepped forward.

“Detector readings are normal. No other abnormalities so far.”

“Alright. Clear this area and move to the next.”

Despite Kim Sera’s gut feeling, the investigation found nothing.

Everywhere they went, it was just a mess of scattered belongings and people.

Eventually, Kim Sera reached a conclusion:

They’d scanned everything.

No alerts on detectors.

No unusual phenomena.

That meant… the area really was fine.

And the lockdown could be lifted.

Her eyes wavered.

Han Yuri, beside her, spoke.

“It seems the investigation’s done… would it be okay if I step away for a bit?”

“Why?”

“My little sister goes to kindergarten nearby…”

Kim Sera nodded weakly.

“Sure… and I’ll help you. If it’s a kindergarten, the kids probably collapsed from the

Suppressor too. Bring the team. I’ll notify the military on the way.”

She slumped as she followed Han Yuri.

The rocking sensation of her body woke someone—Han Yerin.

“Yerin.”

unni? Why are you here? What about work?”

“Oh? Right… I work at the Academic Center, and something came up here.”

She saw people in strange black suits carrying unconscious children out.

Yerin smiled brightly, using the cheerful tone she’d mastered from her past life.

“Really? That’s a big company, right?”

“Is it…?”

“That’s so cool, unni! You’re awesome!”

Han Yuri’s previously cold face softened.

In the distance, two agents whispered.

“Is it just me or did the team leader’s vibe change?”

“Shh. Careful. Last time someone made a comment about the girl on her phone

wallpaper and got wrecked.”

Meanwhile, back in the sealed zone… where nothing had happened despite Kim Sera yelling “It’s

suspicious!”

She now sat on the kindergarten floor, drawing circles with her finger.

“Why… why is there nothing? I shouted so loudly… how am I supposed to show my

face at the center tomorrow…”